Musician

Musician or "Muse" was Shep's mate of approximately 50 years. Firbolgs do not use names, instead referring to each other by their most defining or well-known characteristic. As such, Muse was an exceptionally talented musician, and was proficient with a number of instruments including the drums, pan flute, lute, and shawm. Muse would regularly put on performances for the clan, playing multiple instruments at the same time, most frequently using the pan flute with one hand and drumming a beat with the other.

Muse and Shep were close friends from childhood and spent countless hours playing and wandering through the forest. Muse's songs would entrance any animals nearby, drawing them close for Shep to feed or play with. As they grew older, Muse and Shep used their unique talents to serve as caretakers for the forest and its denizens. Where plants were overgrown, Muse's songs would relax them for Shep to move or relocate to more bare spots. Injured animals were calmed by Muse's playing so that Shep could tend to their wounds. They worked very well together, never seeming to grow tired of each other's company. When they both reached the age of pairing, it was only natural that they would choose each other as life mates.

When Shep left to find the source of the corruption, Muse wanted to come along. However, Shep warned that a mission to find the heart and source of the corruption was a very dangerous one, and if Shep were to be consumed, Muse must continue the work of helping the forest. Muse begged Shep, but Shep was resolute in not wanting anyone else to be affected by the corruption. They argued for hours, and the two did not speak to each other the night before Shep left.

When the dragon Valmera attacked the stronghold, Muse's songs aided the soldiers, helping them to fight above and beyond their limited training. But it was not enough. The dragon destroyed the soldiers, and Muse was consumed by fire trying to heal a group of children that had been injured in the attack.

After the boat ride from Beren, Shep began to miss home intensely. Upon arriving at Ska-Kaerii Shep purchased a pan flute, similar to the one used by Muse. Shep practiced and recalled many of the songs that Muse used to sing in the forest. This ability allowed Shep to provide greater support to The Liberators.